Government invests more than $500 million to attract researchers
‘At a time when parts of the world are turning away from science, Canada is doubling down,” says Industry Minister Mélanie Joly. / MEANS & WAYS PHOTO
The federal government announced more than $541 million in research funding to attract and support leading researchers through the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada and Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders programs.
The investment includes $504 million over eight years for 64 Research Chairs, supporting projects in strategic areas including Arctic governance, community resilience, molecular imaging and therapy, and sustainable transportation.
Another $37 million will support institutions recruiting 63 emerging researchers over the next year.
“At a time when parts of the world are turning away from science, Canada is doubling down,” Industry Minister Mélanie Joly said. “Attracting top talent will deliver breakthroughs that improve Canadians’ lives and advance Canada’s position as a global leader in science and innovation.”
The research chairs come from 13 countries, but the majority (48) are coming from U.S. institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Duke and MIT. Twenty two of them are are expat Canadians returning home, the Toronto Star reported.
“This is a big deal,” Robert Asselin, CEO of U15 Canada, which represents large research universities, told the Globe and Mail. “At this time, when competition between countries is so intense, to have these scholars come here and solidify your clusters of research and innovation, I think is absolutely amazing.”
Health Minister Marjorie Michel said the government is creating an environment where research can move quickly into healthcare applications.
“We are creating a conducive environment where innovation moves at the speed patients need,” she said.
Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson said the programs will help attract researchers whose work can produce practical solutions.
“These investments will strengthen Canada’s research capacity, support the next generation of leaders and deliver practical solutions that improve the quality of life for Canadians,” he said.
The announcement represents the first intake of the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs program, launched in December 2025 as the centrepiece of the $1.7-billion Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative.
The government said the latest results include leading researchers from 13 countries, alongside Canadians returning home to continue their research.
